Claire examined the will of Mr.
Elder, in which certain property was mentioned, and saw that it agreed with the guardian's statement.

All the accounts were scrutinized; and all the vouchers for expenditure compared with the various entries.
Every thing appeared correct, and Claire expressed himself entirely satisfied.

All legal forms were then complied with; and, in due time, the necessary documents were prepared ready for the signature of Claire, by which Jasper would be freed from the nervous anxiety he had for years felt whenever his thoughts went forward to this particular point of time.
On the evening preceding the day when a consummation so long and earnestly looked for was to take place, Jasper, with his mind too much absorbed in business troubles to mingle with his family, sat alone in his library, deeply absorbed in plans and calculations.

His confidence in fortune and his own prudence had been growing weaker, daily; and now it seemed to him as if a great darkness were gathering all around.
He had fully trusted in himself; alas! how weak now seemed to him his human arm; how dim the vision with which he would penetrate the future.

He was mocked of his own overweening and proud confidence.
This was his state of mind when a servant came to the library-door, and announced a gentleman who wished to see him.
"What is his name ?" asked Jasper.
"He said it was no difference.